FISHING LICENCE FEES - OPEN LETTER TO MPS

The state government needs to closely consider the effects of introducing fees for recreational fishing.Many older people have retired and downsized from farms and larger family homes to unit living or are in village-type situations. Often they become socially isolated, not only from the community generally but also, for males, from other men. This isolation can put them at risk of loneliness, elder abuse, drug and alcohol abuse and developing mental health issues.Organisations such as Bloke’s Lounge and men’s sheds/hubs offer outlets when men can meet new people, get involved in activities and make new mates. For many blokes, fishing is a beaut outlet to get out and about, explore the Coast, land a feed and, importantly, chat with mates.It is a relatively cheap activity when rising rates, water, power and fuel charges – to name a few – have put great pressure on weekly budgets and meagre, some say miserly, pensions. Sadly, to compensate, many older people and battlers stay at home, sit in the dark, shiver in the cold, swelter in the heat and watch their unwatered gardens die off. They suffer stress and anxiety.Imposing fees for fishing will only add to that pressure and many might give up what for some is their own recreational activity. Ditto for people doing it tough who fish out of the necessity to help feed themselves or their family.Rises in rates, fees etc are often be equated to “only the cost of a cup of coffee a week”. Well, by the time you add all those costs, there’s often bugger all left for just one cup of coffee! I urge local MPs to think hard and long on this issue before adding another impost of people’s lives, particularly older folk.Ian McDougall, Founder Bloke’s Lounge - May 27 Media article

RESPONSES:

Rob Molhoek, Southport MP - "...will get busy on this."

Office of Premier - "The Premier appreciates the time you have taken to contact her with your comments. As the Premier receives a large amount of correspondence, a response will be provided, if appropriate,in due course."

Deb Frecklington, Nanango MP & Shadow Minister for Fisheries - 1. "... thank you for your feedback on recreational fishing fees. We would also encourage you to contact the Minister for Fisheries, Mr Bill Byrne in this regard."2. June 15 in response to letter from Ian Begaud to and forwarded by Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates: "The MRAG Fishing Review is now being considered by the Government."

Bill Byrne, Minister for Fisheries - no response as yet ( June 24)

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